ENTRY into the 2019 RYA Youth National Championships, the UK’s premier youth sailing regatta, will close on Sunday for standard fees.

More than 350 youngsters are set to descend on Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy from Friday, April 12-19 in what is set to be the biggest Youth Nationals ever held.

Historically, the Youth Nationals is usually contested in British Youth Sailing’s Recognised Classes – Laser Standard and Radial, 420, 29er, Nacra 15 and BIC Techno 293 – and remains unchanged in 2019.

The Topper and Laser 4.7 classes will join the line-up for the first time to attract the country’s strongest junior sailors.

And in another first for the regatta, this year sees the addition of twin tip and foiling kiteboarding, while the RS Venture Connect, Hansa 303 and 2.4mR para classes will hold training.

Standard entries close on March 17, and after that a higher late entry fee will apply.

Mark Nicholls, the RYA’s Youth Racing Manager, said: “The 2019 RYA Youth National Championships is already shaping up to be one of the biggest and best we’ve ever had.

“It’s not too late to get your standard entries in, but time is running out.

“Make sure you’re part of this incredible event without having to pay the late entry fee by getting your entry in by March 17.”

Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy last hosted the Youth National Championships in 2015.

The regatta will make use of the world-class facilities it offers as part of the legacy of the London 2012 Olympics.

It will be used as a selection regatta for the Youth World Championships, which this year takes place in Gydnia, Poland.

Entrants must be aged under 21 on 31 December with the exception of the 420, Topper, Twin Tip.

Further details of requirements can be found in the Notice of Race.